Top 10 Albums So Good They Revived Singers Careers

Following her debut in the late 1980s, Australian singer Kylie Minogue enjoyed international success for her bubblegum and dance-pop-influenced sound. After a string of hit albums, Minogue took a foray into indie music that didn’t seem to connect with her fans. Her 1997 album “Impossible Princess” marked the lowest point of the singer’s career and even made her consider retiring. Although 2000’s “Light Years” was Minogue’s first attempt at rekindling favor with her fans, it was the follow-up, “Fever,” that cemented her career revival. Featuring the smash hit single “Can't Get You Out of My Head,” which topped the charts in 40 countries, this album marked a significant turning point for Minogue and effectively revived her status as a pop icon.

After the break-up of the Beatles, Paul McCartney struggled to find his footing as a solo musician. With his band Wings, McCartney released two albums that disappointed, both critically and commercially. Seeking a fresh experience, McCartney and his band traveled to Lagos, Nigeria to record their third studio album. What emerged was 1973’s “Band on the Run,” an excellent return to form for one of the most celebrated songwriters of all time. McCartney was praised for getting back to his rock-and-roll roots, while still employing elements of pop, folk and afro-soul. With the title track and “Jet” becoming hit singles, “Band on the Run” waxed strong on the charts and was the best-selling album of 1974 in the UK and Australia.

There are only a handful of musicians with a voice and perspective as unique as Johnny Cash. The country legend, who first rose to fame in the ‘50s, found himself struggling in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s. Then, along came Rick Rubin. The renowned producer, mostly known for his rap and heavy metal albums, presented the singer with an unusual offer. The collaboration between the two produced a collection of stripped-down country songs that propelled Cash back into the mainstream. “American Recordings” captured the essence of Cash’s life experiences and struggles, with a vulnerability that connected with listeners on a profound level. It won a Grammy Award and set the stage for a series of critically acclaimed albums that followed.

Over two decades after the release of their groundbreaking album “Loveless,” Irish-English rock band My Bloody Valentine made a triumphant return with 2013’s “m b v”. After multiple internal conflicts and a prolonged hiatus, fans had likely given up on getting new material from the band. The anticipation surrounding the album’s release was immense, but it undoubtedly lived up to expectations. The surprise release effortlessly bridged the long gap in the band’s career, introducing fresh elements and experimental approaches, while staying true to their distinctive shoegaze sound. It was lauded by critics, who praised the immersive production, masterful songwriting and emotional resonance. With yet another extended period without any new releases, we can only wonder what excellence My Bloody Valentine will deliver next.

This music legend enjoyed a wildly successful career throughout the ‘60s and ‘70s, only to come crashing in the ‘80s. With a string of critical and commercial disappointments under his belt, Bob Dylan stopped recording fresh material following 1990’s “Under the Red Sky”. This once influential singer had begun to fade into the background. Then, in 1996, Dylan teamed up once again with producer Daniel Lanois to record a new set of songs that formed “Time Out of Mind”. Released in September 1997, this album proved to be transformative for Dylan’s career, in the best way possible. It earned him three Grammys, including Album of the Year, and spurred a creative renaissance that he has managed to sustain for years.

It may come as news to the newer generation of music fans, but there was a time when, instead of chasing trends, Madonna was setting them. Following a turbulent period in the early to mid ‘90s, Madonna’s reign as the Queen of Pop looked like it was coming to an end. However, after her leading performance in “Evita,” Madge returned to claim her crown with 1998’s “Ray of Light”. Produced alongside William Orbit, “Ray of Light” was a forward-thinking blend of electronica, techno-pop and trip hop that significantly drifted away from Madonna’s previous sound. That risk undoubtedly paid off though. The album not only spawned two top-five U.S. singles, it won four Grammys and gave Madonna a new lease on life.

Aerosmith’s 1987 album “Permanent Vacation” played a crucial role in catapulting them back into the limelight. Following a decade of immense success, Aerosmith opened the 1980s on a sour note. Internal conflicts led to the departure of Joe Perry and Brad Whitford, and the band members’ issues with substance use severely affected their performance abilities. Their first glimpse at a revival came in 1986 with Run–D.M.C.’s remix of “Walk This Way”. After getting their acts together, the band released “Permanent Vacation” the following year, which combined their signature bluesy rock sound with a more polished and commercial edge. It sold more than five million units in the U.S. alone and served as a springboard for their continued success.

In 2003, Green Day was recording what would’ve been their seventh album when the master tapes were stolen. This was the tipping point of the numerous issues the band had faced since releasing their ultra-successful 1994 album “Dookie”. None of their follow-up efforts reached the heights of “Dookie,” with 2000’s “Warning” marking the lowest point of the band’s career. Thankfully, they took all of that anger and channeled it into making what turned out to be their comeback. Released in September 2004, “American Idiot” captured the zeitgeist of post-9/11 America, critiquing the political landscape, media manipulation and societal disillusionment. It won Grammys for Best Rock Album and Record of the Year, and breathed new life into Green Day’s career.

The early 2000s was a rough period for R&B icon Mariah Carey. Her 2001 film “Glitter” and its accompanying soundtrack were critical and commercial flops. And the 2003 album “Charmbracelet,” which was intended as her comeback, wasn’t particularly charming either. So if there was anyone in need of a revival in that period, it definitely was Mariah Carey. Luckily, she found that, and a lot more, in 2005’s “The Emancipation of Mimi”. Written and produced by the who’s-who in music at the time, this album was well-crafted to put a fresh and modern spin on Carey’s distinct sound. With bona fide hits like “We Belong Together” and “Shake It Off,” “The Emancipation of Mimi” truly lived up to its name.

To understand just how great of a comeback “Private Dancer” was, you have to first recognize the difficulties that plagued Tina Turner’s early career. After rising to prominence as one half of Ike & Tina Turner, the Queen of Rock 'n' Roll had to overcome years of domestic violence and an industry that largely viewed her as a nostalgia act. Despite these critical obstacles, Turner still managed to put together a phenomenal collection of songs for the 1984 album “Private Dancer”. Once considered a has-been, Turned broke right back into the spotlight with classics like “Better Be Good to Me” and the incomparable “What's Love Got to Do with It”. The album remains a testament of her resilience, exceptional talent and timelessness.